Promoting spirulina-enriched bread for primary school children in Ethiopia: Assessing parental willingness to purchase through information nudging

Abstract

Providing alternative dietary supplements to enhance children's health and nutritional status is crucial for preventing undernutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to nudge parents of primary school children to consider purchasing Spirulina-fortified bread. To achieve this, data from 111 parents from two primary schools in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia were used. A logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of parental willingness to purchase and pay a premium price for Spirulina-fortified bread. The results showed that age, employment, the number of dependent children, income, perception of benefits, taste and acceptability, and parents' willingness to pay a premium price significantly influence parents to consider purchasing Spirulina-fortified bread for their children. Parents' willingness to pay a premium price for Spirulina-fortified bread was significantly influenced by the number of dependent children, employment status, income, and perception of nutritional benefits for their children. The findings of the study can assist parents and guardians in implementing effective evidence-based dietary feeding interventions for children. Additionally, they can guide policymakers and other stakeholders to emphasize the importance of providing Spirulina-supplemented bread to children and supporting parents based on their socioeconomic status.